The study is the first to use genetic methods on a large scale to analyze the food behavior of mosquitoes
Punctually in and summer and during the evenings spent outdoors, when Mosquitoes are more active than everwe ask ourselves the same question: why do some people go more than others? Generally it is popular beliefs that dominate, such as that of “sweet” blood as a magnet for mosquitoes. Science, however, seems to have finally given an answer that will not please those who, in general, are targeted by mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes: what type of blood they prefer
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The answer comes from a large international studywhose results were published in the magazine Global Ecology and Biogeography. According to what is revealed by the researchers, Mosquitoes have no fixed preferencesbut their food behavior is much more flexible of what was thought so far.
The work, conducted by a team of researchers led by the biologist Kontans Wells of the University of Swansea, in Wales, was based on a gigantic meta-analysis of Over 15,600 mosquito blood mealsanalyzed with advanced molecular techniques that allow to precisely identify the guest species from which the blood was taken. The result was A detailed global map of food preferences of six among the most important species of mosquitoes from the health point of view.
It also depends on the type of mosquito
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The differences between the various types of mosquitoes They are remarkable. Mosquitoes Culexlike the common local mosquito, are distinguished by the largest diet, feeding on an included number Between 179 and 321 different speciesincluding birds, mammals and even reptiles and amphibians. The Aedesto which the infamous tiger mosquito belongs, they prove more selective, with a range between 26 and 65 species. Mosquitoes Anophelesresponsible for the transmission of malaria, seem to have even more restricted tastes: between 7 and 29 species.
The Aedes And the Anopheles show a clear preference for humansa factor that makes them more dangerous vectors in urban contexts. Other species, however, seem prefer catfish or birdsand some variants of the Culex seem to feed indifferently of both mammals and birds.
A scenario in constant evolution
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The most interesting data, however, is the plasticity of these habits. Mosquitoes they adapt to the environment in which they live: temperature, humidity, availability of guests and changes in the landscape, such as the introduction of artificial water bodies, influence their choices. If on the one hand this means that it is extremely Difficult to predict precisely what the targets will be On these mosquitoes, on the other hand understand these dynamics remains fundamental.
The variability of food preferences, combined with climate change and urbanization, changes the distribution of mosquitoes and the probability that they come into contact with humans. Consequently also the transmission of infectious diseases such as Dengue, Zika or malaria It is more difficult to monitor and prevent.
The study, the first to use genetic methods on a large scale to analyze the food behavior of mosquitoes, however represents An important step forward in global entomological surveillance. The researchers, in commenting on the results, hope a greater standardization of the analysis methods and the integration with more precise environmental data. Only in this way, they explain, will it be possible Build effective predictive models and strengthen prevention strategies.
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